Questions about hoof boots?

I've been recently thinking about getting hoof boots but I've never used them or had any experiences with them. I really want to do some trail riding (and possiably roadwork) but my horse is quite flat footed and although has been sound barefoot, needs shoes for anything more than flat work.



so first question is because of the shape of her hoof would hoof boots even work/ fit properly, or would it just be better to go with shoes (which is an option that I am open to if hoof boots don't work)



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and my second question is what brands/styles would fit (if any) and that are good. Not sure how much riding I would be doing but I live in maine, so the weather can be anywhere from sunny and nice, to rainy, or (in the winter) really snowy (but Riding in the winter would be minimal to none so that's semi irrelevant...) Questions about hoof boots?
I use the Easyboot Epic on my horse and they are wonderful! I know other people that use them and love them, too. I went with them because they had great reviews (could not hardly find a negative one) and they don't come in pairs so if one hoof needs a different size it is not an issue. I have ridden him in mud, rocky terrain, hills and they have never rubbed a sore or come off. Each boot brand has different sizing requirements, so the best thing to do is t measure your horse's feet according to each boot brand and see which one's will fit best. My horse would not fit into Boas because one of his hooves measured funny, but he could manage in the Easyboots. If you can keep shoes off of your horse and use boots that would be better, but if the boots don't work out then shoeing would be fine.
I use Boas, Old Mac G1's and Old Mac G2's because my three horses have slightly different shaped feet. The boots are great, I've never had any problems with them coming off but I think getting the correct size and fit initially is the key to that. For the flat footedness, you could try adding comfort pads to the boots - one of my horses is quite sensitive and he really likes the pads. The Easycare website has loads of information on fitting and extras like the pads so I suggest a good trawl of it.Questions about hoof boots?
I use the Old Mac's original. They are as wide as they are long.

They don't have to have the gaitors that some of the other boots need.

Old Mac don't slip around on the hoof either.
old mac G2's have always worked for me, and i know several people who has had great experience with them, but obviously i can't say wether they will work for you or not, it just depends on your horses hooves.Questions about hoof boots?
You need to get the sizing instructions from the manufacturer and measure her feet. Then you will be able to tell if the boots will fit.
I have them only thing i don't like is they don't stay on.
I'd suggest the easyboot epic. They tend to stay on really well, even in muddy situations. They come in sizes from Pony to 10 (huge). They are around 60 dollars each and definitely worth it. They also have attachments you can buy for ice and snow (if you do happen to decide to ride a bunch in the winter). Each boot can be tightened/loosened (three different choices). They don't rub if you get the right size and have little hooks that go into your horse's hoof to help it stay on also. They only let sand and tiny pebbles in so there is no chance of your horse getting a rock in its shoe.



I keep my hardy pony barefoot for when we barrel race (she has pretty tough feet) but when we are endurance racing I use easyboots for her and they work extremely well. She is much more ready to go with them on (because stepping on pointy rocks doesn't hurt at all, like it does with shoes and especially barefoot).
Her hoof is as wide as my mares and we use Boas. (and they stay on with no problems)

I do know that there are some wedges that can be inserted for those horses that need it. Not sure if it were Boa's or the Epics.

http://www.easycareinc.com/



This site shows the huge choice of boots we (horse people) have along with the proper sizing

http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/boot_swa鈥?/a>



Another option is Sole Guard by Vettec. That is the way I think I am going go go now. It's like a 'rubber' barrier you coat onto the bottom of the hoof. My farrier has instructed me on this and told me to keep it away from the hair/skin and that it will last 2 days or so.

http://www.vettec.com/65/index.htm





EDIT: I lived in New Hampshire and used the Boas and when it was packed snow I attached the studs you can get for them. Worked out great. I also trudged through many mud holes with them on and had no issues. Great for rocky trails (great grip) and the occasional broken beer bottles from a teen weekend party :)